Conflict Resolution

Relationships wk 3 Conflict resolution The Foundation - Choose Peace * Romans 12:18(nasb). 'If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. ' * Colossians 3:15 (niv) - "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace." * Matthew 5:9(niv) - "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." Listen First, Speak Second * James 1:19-20 (niv) - "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires." * Proverbs 18:13(niv) - "To answer before listening - that is folly and shame." * Proverbs 18:2(niv) - "Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions." Watch Your Words * Ephesians 4:29 - "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs." * Proverbs 15:1 - "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." * Proverbs 21:23 - "Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity." * Colossians 4:6 - "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt." Don't Let Anger Linger * Ephesians 4:26-27 - "In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold." * Proverbs 29:11 - "Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end." * Proverbs 14:29 - "Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly." Forgiveness is Non-Negotiable * Ephesians 4:32 - "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." * Colossians 3:13 - "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." * Matthew 6:14-15 - "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." * Matthew 18:21-22 - Peter asked how many times to forgive - Jesus answered, "Not seven times, but seventy-seven times." (meaning without limit) Choose Humility Over Pride * Philippians 2:3-4 - "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." * Proverbs 13:10 - "Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice." * James 4:6 - "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble." * 1 Peter 5:5 - "Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another." Go to Each Other Directly * Matthew 18:15 - "If your brother or sister sins against you, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over." * Galatians 6:1 - "If someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently." * Proverbs 27:5 - "Better is open rebuke than hidden love." Love Covers & Perseveres * 1 Peter 4:8 - "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." * 1 Corinthians 13:5-7 - "Love is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs... it always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." * Proverbs 10:12 - "Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs." Pray Together * Matthew 18:19 - "If two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven." * Philippians 4:6-7 - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds." * James 5:16 - "Pray for each other so that you may be healed." A Biblical Step-by-Step Approach to Conflict Step Action Scripture 1 Pause & calm down Proverbs 14:29 2 Listen fully before responding James 1:19 3 Speak with grace, not harshness Proverbs 15:1 4 Be humble - consider their perspective Philippians 2:3 5 Address the issue directly & privately Matthew 18:15 6 Forgive completely Colossians 3:13 7 Pray together for restoration Matthew 18:19 8 Resolve it before the day ends Ephesians 4:26